The home watch industry has long operated in the background of the real estate and property technology sectors, but that is changing. Clem McDavid, founder of HomeLedger, notes that his company's platform, Watch Tower, now supports operators across eight states, with concentrations in Florida and Arizona, as well as customers in North Carolina, New York, and Colorado. This geographic spread reflects broader trends in second-home ownership, as many pandemic-era buyers retained vacation properties but lack the time or inclination to maintain them.
The market is also seeing a rise in what McDavid describes as "ghost kitchens"—marketing operations that appear legitimate online but offer no actual service. These operations generate leads without ever performing a property visit. As homeowners and operators suffer from such scams, those with documented service histories are gaining a competitive edge. This shift is pushing the industry toward greater transparency and reliability.
Beyond traditional vacation homes, McDavid anticipates demand from younger homeowners who want periodic check-ins on their primary residences. Busy professionals may prefer to pay for someone to flag maintenance issues rather than spend weekends on chores. This broadens the customer base beyond seasonal coastal markets, making home watch a year-round service for a wider demographic.
The market also shows diversity in pricing and service levels. While some operators serve ultra-high-net-worth estates with full-time staff and household management, others focus on coordinating property readiness—like stocking a home before an owner arrives or timing seasonal upkeep. HomeLedger's customers operate across this spectrum, indicating room for growth at various price points.
For McDavid, the core need is consistent: absentee homeowners require a reliable, documented eye on their property. Operators who prove they show up consistently are building durable businesses. As home watch expands into new states and property types, those investing in professionalism and accurate record-keeping will be best positioned for future growth.
HomeLedger is a property technology company focused on the home watch industry, with its Watch Tower platform designed for operators managing vacant and seasonal properties. This article is based on expert insights and is for informational purposes only, not as legal, financial, or real estate advice.
